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  • Writer's pictureMike Kavanaugh

The Fedora: A Brief History


Image property of American Hat Makers

Fedora hats are a type of hat that has a wide brim and a creased crown. They are typically made of felt or wool and are often worn by men. Fedoras have a long and varied history, dating back to the 19th century.


The fedora is believed to have originated in the United States, where it was worn by cowboys and other working-class men. The hat quickly became popular among other social classes, and by the early 20th century, it was a staple of men's fashion. They were worn by gangsters, detectives, and other characters in popular culture. Fedoras also became a symbol of the Jazz Age and were worn by many famous jazz musicians, such as Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway.


Fedoras were often worn by celebrities and other notable figures, such as Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, and Frank Sinatra. The hat became associated with glamour and sophistication, and it was a popular choice for men who wanted to make a statement.


Fedoras fell out of fashion in the 1950s, but they made a comeback in the 1970s. They have been popular ever since, and are now worn by people of all ages and styles.


Today, fedoras are worn by men of all ages and styles. They can be dressed up or down, and they can be worn for any occasion. Fedoras are a versatile and stylish hat that can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.


Types of Fedoras

There are many different types of fedoras, each with its own unique style. Some of the most popular types of fedoras include:

  • The classic fedora: This is the most traditional type of fedora. It has a creased crown and a brim that can be turned up on one side or both sides.

  • The trilby: The trilby is similar to the classic fedora, but it has a shorter brim.

  • The pork pie: The pork pie is a round hat with a flat crown and a wide brim.

  • The gambler: The gambler is a fedora with a creased crown and a wide brim. It is often worn with a feather or other decoration in the band.

  • The snap brim: The snap brim is a fedora with a brim that can be snapped up in the front.

  • The wide brim: Made popular a few years ago, the wide brim is what sets this fedora apart. These fedoras are usually 15+ inches in diameter.


How to Wear a Fedora

There are many different ways to wear a fedora. Here are a few tips:

  • Choose the right size. A fedora should fit snugly on your head, but not too tightly.

  • Tilt the brim. The brim of a fedora can be worn straight up, or tilted to one side. Experiment with different angles to find what looks best on you.

  • Pair with the right outfit. Fedoras can be dressed up or down, so it's important to pair them with the right outfit. For a formal look, pair a fedora with a suit and tie. For a more casual look, pair a fedora with jeans and a t-shirt.

  • Have fun with it! Fedoras are a great way to add a touch of style to your outfit. So don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.


My Favorite Fedoras

SAJUZEN Women's & Men's Fedora Hats

SAJUZEN felt hats are made of 65% cotton+35% polyester, breathable and lightweight. Made of soft two-layer material ensures durability and high performance, keeping you feel comfortable all the way.


The SAJUZEN fedora is available in 3 sizes and can be made to fit snugly with a drawstring on the inside.


Available at under $30, the SAJUZEN fedora is available in a color to match almost any wardrobe. My favorite is the black colorway as pictured.



FLUFFY SENSE. Big Wide Brim Fedora Hat for Women

First of all, let's get rid of the word "Women." Aside from the Rose Pink colorway, I would proudly wear any of the other 6 colorways. In fact, if the hat band on the Rose Pink was different, I would wear that too!

The FLUFFY SENSE. Big Wide Brim Fedora is made of vegan suede with a 3.75-inch wide brim and has a grosgrain ribbon or premium hatband depending on color.


Fit for Head Sizes 7 inches - 7 3/8 inches. The FLUFFY SENSE. Big Wide Brim Fedora has adjustable straps inside to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.


The FLUFFY SENSE. Big Wide Brim Fedora is available in 7 colorways at just under $40. My pick is the Olive Green colorway!


Lisianthus Men & Women Vintage Wide Brim Fedora Hat with Belt Buckle

I'm not sure if this really qualifies as a "wide brim" fedora, but I'm not the one coming up with the names.


I love the style and love the availability of colors. With 28 different colors and 2 different sizes, it's hard not to find one you like. The Lisianthus Vintage Wide Brim Fedora is made of 65% cotton and 35% polyester making it breathable and lightweight. Perfect for all-day wear.


Available at just under $30, my favorite is the Creamy colorway (pictured above)!




Melesh men's Fedora

When most people think of a fedora, this is the image they have in mind. It's a classic for a reason.


The Melesh men's fedora is made of 100% polyester, making it perfect for the winter months for both men and women (no idea why this is only marketed towards men!) looking for the perfect accessory.


The Melesh men's fedora is available in 5 colors. Go for the Dark Grey or Grey/Grid!


American Hat Makers SUMMIT | MENS FELT LEATHER FEDORA

The SUMMIT by American Hat Makers has a wool felt crown and brim made of top-grain leather. The brim is 2 3/4 inches, and the crown is 3 3/4 inches. There's also an adjustable fabric sweat liner to keep you dry.


The SUMMIT is a statement piece, so dress like you just emerged from the woods for the first time in 3 weeks and throw this on top. Oh, and be prepared for the compliments and not questions about what you were doing in the woods for 3 weeks!


All hats by American Hat Makers are handcrafted and come with a lifetime warranty. Available in 6 colors and 4 sizes at $177, the SUMMIT is a piece that will be in your collection for years to come. I'm partial to the SANGRIA and the SAGE colorway but you can't go wrong with any of them.


Also, Ladies . . . I'm not sure what would stop you from wearing this hat either so go for it.





American Hat Makers ASPEN | MENS WIDE BRIM FELT FEDORA HAT

The ASPEN by American Hat Makers is made of Firm Felt with a 3 1/2-inch brim and a 4 1/2-inch crown. The fedora is light and has a sewn-in sweatband.


The ASPEN has a rugged look that pairs great with a Canadian Tuxedo, did I just say that? Ok, maybe just pair it with a jean jacket. Either way, I love it with jeans. Ladies, I'm thinking of a neutral summer dress with some boots or tennis shoes, channel your inner Taylor Swift, you get the idea.


All hats by American Hat Makers are handcrafted and come with a lifetime warranty. Available in 4 sizes at $137, the ASPEN is the perfect hat to make a statement.




TWO ROADS FIVE POINTS WIDE BRIM FEDORA HAT

TWO ROADS is another fantastic hat maker!


The Five Points pencil-brimmed fedora. The TWO ROADS FIVE POINTS WIDE BRIM FEDORA HAT is a pencil-brimmed fedora with a 4-inch brim and a 5-inch crown.


"The Five Points is made of 100% Australian wool and comes bandless to allow you to make it your own. This hat is crafted mostly by hand with the hope that it will be around to be admired decades from now."


The TWO ROADS FIVE POINTS WIDE BRIM FEDORA HAT is available in 3 colors and 5 different sizes. At $159 a piece, get one in all 3 colorways, seriously . . . get them all!



I hope this blog post has been informative and I have at a minimum piqued your interest in looking at fedoras. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

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